Two newly consolidated institutions in Pennsylvania saw opposite enrollment trends this fall, raising questions about the link between mergers and head count. The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education has had its fingers crossed, hoping for an enrollment bump since undertaking an ambitious redesign three years ago, including the consolidation of six campuses into two new universities.
Vermont State University, a union of three struggling colleges, welcomed its first class last week. But with enrollment flagging, the impact of the merger remains uncertain. Students arriving on the former campuses of Northern Vermont University, Castleton University and Vermont Technical College for the start of classes last week were greeted with banners, T-shirts and pennants bearing a different name: Vermont State University, accompanied by the slogan “We Are One.”
A two-week prayer revival on campus attended by tens of thousands drew national attention to the university, but administrators say it isn’t the sole cause of the enrollment spike. Asbury University, a small Christian institution in Kentucky, is welcoming a surge of new students this fall. Campus administrators say this semester marks the largest year-over-year enrollment increase in the university’s 133-year history.
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